The Customs Declaration Service is here! Are you ready?

In this article we will look at the steps you need to take as a company to prepare for the switch from CHIEF to CDS. Whether you are an exporter, importer, freight forwarder or customs broker, this change will affect you all.

Why is it important?
In September 2022 (yes, this year) the HMRC CHIEF import service will be switched off and the only means of declaring import goods to Customs in the United Kingdom will be via the new Customs Declaration Service. The CHIEF export service will be switched off six months later at the end of March 2023.

This means at the very least that to remain compliant an organisation will need to register for CDS on the Government Gateway, regardless of whether they complete the entries themselves.

Unlike the old CHIEF system, the new Customs Declaration Service is "data-hungry" (our choice of words). The system requires a lot more thought on the part of the declarant and nothing can be assumed with CDS. Even if you are familiar with CHIEF, the Customs Declaration Service introduces new data elements that were not previously required on a CHIEF declaration, so it is important to recognise these changes.

But what is it?
The Customs Declaration Service (CDS) is a new system introduced by HMRC to replace CHIEF for export and import customs declarations. From the overall logic of the system to the codes used, CDS is completely different to CHIEF, meaning everyone will have to become familiar with, and will need to understand the new information requirements and the rules when CDS becomes fully operational. And this is relevant, whether you do the customs entries yourself or use a third party (an intermediary) to complete them on your behalf.

So, even if you aren’t completing the declarations yourself, you will need to register for CDS through the Government Gateway to be able to do the following: 

• Get your import VAT and duty adjustment statements
• Get your postponed import VAT statements
• Get copies of your duty deferment statements
• Get your import VAT certificates
• Make duty and VAT payments to HMRC
• Set up, change, or remove an intermediary
• Upload supporting documents to the National Clearance Hub when requested

How to Register on the CDS Portal - Full PDF Guide